Wipe away Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈwaɪp/ /əˈweɪ

WYP-uh-WAY

UK

wˈaɪp/ /ɐwˈeɪ

WYP-uh-WAY

Definition

To remove something, especially liquid or dirt, by rubbing it with a cloth, your hand, or another surface. Often used to talk about tears or stains.

Usage & Nuances

Commonly used for 'wipe away tears', also for stains, dust, or doubts (figurative: 'wipe away fear'). Slightly more gentle than simply 'wipe'. Can be literal or metaphorical.

• Spanish: limpiar - borrar (lágrimas, suciedad)
• Portuguese (BR): enxugar - limpar - apagar (lágrimas, sujeira)
• Portuguese (PT): enxugar - limpar - apagar (lágrimas, sujidade)
• Chinese (Simplified): 擦掉 - 擦去 (眼泪, 污渍)
• Chinese (Traditional): 擦掉 - 擦去 (眼淚, 汙漬)
• Hindi: पोंछ देना (आंसू, गंदगी)
• Arabic: يمسح (الدموع، الأوساخ)
• Bengali: মুছে ফেলা - দূর করা
• Russian: стереть - вытереть
• Japanese: 拭き取る - 拭い去る
• Vietnamese: lau đi - xoá đi
• Korean: 닦아내다 - 지워내다
• Turkish: silmek - gidermek (mecaz)
• Urdu: صاف کرنا - مٹانا
• Indonesian: menghapus - menyeka

Example Sentences

She wiped away her tears after the movie.

basic

Please wipe away the dust from the table.

basic

Use a tissue to wipe away your runny nose.

basic

He tried to wipe away any doubts before the big meeting.

natural

A smile can sometimes wipe away sadness.

natural

The mother gently wiped away the dirt from the child's face.

natural